RESOLUTION NO. RS2016-168

A resolution recognizing April 15, 2016, as the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network’s Day of Silence in Davidson County and across the United States.

WHEREAS, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of Middle Tennessee is the local chapter of a national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students by valuing and treating every student with respect, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression; and

WHEREAS, the GLSEN Day of Silence is a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools by providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an ongoing dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities; and

WHEREAS, the GLSEN National School Climate Survey of 2013 found that 9 out of 10 LGBT students in Tennessee heard homophobic or transphobic remarks on a daily basis and faced harsher experiences of bullying, isolation, and violence; and

WHEREAS, victims of bullying and name-calling commonly do poorly in school and suffer from high rates of absenteeism due to this harassment; and

WHEREAS, bullies themselves demonstrate poor social and emotional adjustment, social isolation, lack of success in school, and involvement in problem behaviors, and are more likely to end up engaging in criminal behavior in their adult lives; and

WHEREAS, bullying, name-calling, harassment, and violence have no place in our schools, as it impedes the learning process for all; and

WHEREAS, the Day of Silence is scheduled for April 15, 2016 and will afford an opportunity for Davidson County teachers, students, parents and school officials to engage in activities, lessons and programs designed to reduce name-calling and bullying faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council hereby recognizes the Day of Silence and encourages all residents of Davidson County to share in the vision of a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing April 15, 2016 as a Day of Silence in furtherance of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network‘s efforts to ensure safe schools for all students by valuing and treating every student with respect, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to the Jump-Start Student Leadership Team of GLSEN Middle Tennessee.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Mina Johnson, Nancy VanReece, Brett Withers, Burkley Allen, Colby Sledge